I was recently gifted a reissued copy of National Geographic’s The Genius of Dogs edition, and what a truly captivating and insightful read it turned out to be. Thoughtfully written by Brandon Keim and richly illustrated throughout, the magazine offered profound insights into the history, intelligence, and emotional depth of our canine companions.
While it was initially purchased for me by my Mother in Law due to the border collie featured on the front cover, I came away with an enriched understanding of canine behaviour, genetics, and nuances - insights I’ve since applied to my own relationship with Vivienne and Trixie.
Chapter One: Becoming Dog
This chapter delves into the fascinating history of how dogs evolved into the loyal companions we know and love today. While the earliest known depictions of dogs date back roughly 8,000 years, I was surprised to learn that most of the world’s current 400+ breeds have existed for only a few centuries.
When reading this chapter, I was particularly struck by the prevalence of free-ranging dogs around the world. Contrary to the unruly image we might imagine, many of these dogs spend their days sleeping, and subsist largely on human handouts and waste. It's truly fascinating to me that even without formal training or close bonds, dogs continue to thrive alongside humans.
The exploration of dogs’ extraordinary senses was equally enlightening. While I’ve always known their noses were exceptional, I was amazed to learn that they’re estimated to be 100,000 to several million times more sensitive than ours. Sheepdogs, for example, boast around 200 million olfactory receptors, while beagles have an astounding 300 million. I couldn’t find exact numbers for westies, but Vivienne’s heavy reliance on her nose compared to Trixie’s leads me to believe it is on the higher end of the spectrum!
Dogs' sense of hearing is another topic that has long since fascinated me, especially as a mum to a very vocal westie who barks at the most inconspicuous of sounds. While small dogs were once thought to be the only ones capable of detecting high frequencies, research well into the 20th century eventually debunked this myth. Reading this was a brilliant reminder of why it’s so crucial to protect our dogs from loud or unsettling noises - they’re far more attuned to even the smallest of sound than we often realise.
The Like Person, Like Dog case study on Page 34 also particularly resonated. The research, focused on border collies, showed a direct correlation between stress levels in dogs and their humans. This was a stark reminder of how deeply connected we are to our dogs - something I witnessed firsthand during my chaotic Christmas season.
Chapter 2: A Dog’s Mind
As a dog mum, I’ve always been fascinated by the canine mind - but even more so since welcoming Trixie into our lives. Having two dogs that are so inherently different yet share many similarities has been truly eye-opening - and this chapter only added to my understanding.
One standout section explored the evolution of so-called “puppy dog eyes,” made possible thanks to muscles that enable dogs to raise their inner eyebrows, creating an expression that tugs at our heartstrings. This adaptation likely evolved not through deliberate breeding, but because dogs with this trait naturally won our affection - a clear testament to their intelligence and adaptability.
The discussion of social graces among dogs was another highlight. The “play bow,” for instance, is a universal invitation to play, signalling that subsequent growls or bared teeth are purely playful. It’s a behaviour I frequently observe between Vivienne and Trixie, and it’s reassuring to see science back up what dog owners intuitively know.
Dogs’ innate sense of fairness is another lesser-recognised social grace - and one I was previously unaware! Larger dogs often allow smaller ones to “win” during play, a behaviour that underscores their remarkable social intelligence.
While mostly light-hearted, the chapter didn’t shy away from difficult topics. It touched on the causes of aggression, often rooted in fear rather than innate hostility, and the long-term damage caused by punishment-based training methods. Reading about the cognitive and emotional harm these practices inflict was heartbreaking, but it reinforced my commitment to positive reinforcement training - a method that builds trust rather than fear.
Chapter 3: Relationships
The profound effect dogs have on our lives, especially our mental wellbeing, has long since fascinated me, and it’s interesting to see how society’s attitudes towards them have evolved over recent centuries. This chapter in particular explored the evolving bond between humans and dogs, from their historical roles as workers to their modern status as family members. It’s incredible to think that keeping dogs as pets wasn’t the norm until well into the 20th century, a reminder of how rapidly our attitudes toward them have evolved.
One particularly heartwarming story was that of retired nurse, Nicola Harrison, who founded the Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice. Her work, providing terminally ill dogs with comfort and joy in their final months, is a poignant reminder of the compassion and love they inspire in us.
The chapter also highlighted the evolving legal recognition of dogs as sentient beings. The 2016 Oregon Supreme Court case, which recognised dogs as more than mere property, was a sobering yet inspiring example of progress in animal welfare.
The global discussion on spaying and neutering was another thought-provoking topic. While I’ve always supported neutering for my own dogs, it was fascinating to learn that in countries like Sweden and Switzerland, routine desexing isn’t common. Instead, a culture of responsible pet ownership keeps stray populations low, underscoring the importance of education and awareness.
Final Thoughts
What began as a magazine chosen for its border collie cover quickly turned into a deeply enriching read that broadened my understanding of my own dogs. The Genius of Dogs doesn’t just provide fascinating facts - it invites readers to reflect on the profound bond we share with our canine companions and how we can better support their needs.
From their remarkable senses to their emotional intelligence, dogs continue to amaze and inspire - not just me, but millions across the globe - and as society’s attitudes toward them evolve, I’m heartened to see more recognition of their rights, needs and individuality.
To me, this edition is more than a celebration of dogs’ genius - it’s a call to nurture the empathy, understanding, and care that make our relationships with them so unique. And with continued research, increased empathy, and better protective measures, I look forward to a future where dogs across the world continue to receive the love and kindness they enrich our lives with every single day.
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